Thermal Therapy Pouch with Hexagonal Cross-Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pain treatment methods, such as surgery and medication, are invasive, costly, and often ineffective in addressing the root cause of pain, while current cold therapy solutions lack targeted application and retention of low temperatures, leading to inadequate pain relief.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive, medication-free therapy system featuring a flexible, two-sided pouch with a hexagonal cross-sectional shape and reusable attachment straps, containing a thermally reactive gel-based cold temperature source that can be securely positioned over targeted areas like the spinal column and muscles, ensuring effective temperature retention and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pain treatment methods such as surgery and medication are used, then pain relief can be achieved, but invasive procedures, high cost, and adverse side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable cold therapy pouch that is pre-filled with cold gel and discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable equipment while providing effective pain relief through localized cold therapy, avoiding surgical intervention and medication side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The cold gel acts as an intermediary substance that transfers thermal energy from the pouch to the injured body part. This mediator enables non-invasive pain relief by conducting heat away from the injury site, replacing the need for direct surgical or pharmacological intervention
2Temperature
If broadly applied cold therapy is used, then some benefit to the area may be achieved, but the cold doesn't reach low enough temperatures or retain them long enough
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is designed with different material properties on each side: one side uses thermally conductive material to maximize cold transfer to the injury, while the other side uses insulating material to prevent heat gain from the environment. This localized quality differentiation enables the pouch to reach and maintain lower temperatures at the application site while improving ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch utilizes flexible thin film materials that conform closely to the body's surface, ensuring maximum thermal contact with the injured area. This flexibility allows the pouch to maintain intimate contact with irregular body contours, improving both temperature retention and ease of application
3Reliability
If cold therapy products are applied to the affected area, then pain relief may be achieved, but proper devices and structures to secure the products are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch incorporates self-adhesive properties through its material design, allowing it to stick directly to the skin or clothing without requiring additional straps, clips, or fastening mechanisms. This self-service attachment method eliminates complexity while ensuring reliable positioning for effective pain relief
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides targeted, non-surgical pain relief by concentrating cold therapy directly on pain sources, reducing inflammation and discomfort without the need for invasive procedures or medications, allowing for comfortable and secure application.
Implementation Method 1
A cold temperature source is contained within the internal cavity and is in direct contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second sides
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive, non-surgical, medication free therapy system for application to a targeted body location is provided. The therapy system includes a pouch having a first side and a second side. The first side is configured for contact with the targeted body location. Each of the first and second sides has an inner surface. The inner surfaces of the first and second sides define an internal cavity. A cold temperature source is contained within the internal cavity and is in direct contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second sides. One or more attachment straps are configured for attachment to the second side of the pouch and further configured to position the therapy system adjacent to the targeted body location. The one or more attachment straps still further configured for repeatable and removable attachment to the pouch.